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Council allows testimony by adding transportation-tax item to first reading
Summary
After debate about public interest, the Spokane City Council voted to suspend rules and add ordinance C36801 (local option transportation tax amendment) to first reading on Nov. 17 so those signed up could testify; the amendment also triggers an automatic deferral to Nov. 24 absent further suspension.
Council members on Nov. 17 debated how to accommodate a large number of residents who had signed up to speak on the local option transportation tax amendment (C36801). Several members argued for adding the item to the evening's agenda to permit testimony; others preferred testimony during open forum.
City counsel and staff outlined options: accepting testimony during open forum, suspending rules to add the item to first reading, or having members who were previously on the prevailing side move to reconsider. Council ultimately moved to suspend the rules to add C36801 to first reading, a motion that passed on voice vote. The addition allowed those already signed up to be added to the first-reading list so they could speak without waiting for a separate hearing date.
Council members said they were sensitive to the public who had prepared to testify; several members noted that adding the item would not preclude later amendments before final consideration on Nov. 24. Staff counsel agreed to coordinate sign-up lists and public-notice procedures.
What happens next: Ordinance C36801 was added to first reading on Nov. 17 to permit testimony; the council scheduled final consideration for Nov. 24, 2025, and staff will coordinate public sign-ups so those who signed up for the original hearing can testify at first reading or the subsequent session.
